Housing is a basic human need and most governments have attempted to house their subjects. Yet housing efforts of the low-income group of people have been wrought with many problems. Non-Governmental organizations have now come in to help in an attempt to house the low-income group of people.

The broad objective of this thesis is to find out whether the Undugu housing model can be used in solving the housing problem of the low-income in Nairobi. The specific objectives are to find out the workings of the Undugu settlement programme with specific reference to Kitui village and to describe and analyze the housing situation in the village.

Findings from the study suggest that the Undugu model is very successful although gradual. Due to the use of cost sharing, community participation and self-help most of the residents are now housed in dwelling units, which are more decent than what they were used to. Public utilities such as water have been improved by three additional water kiosks built in the village. Eleven toilets are now in the process of being completed.

Among the major recommendations that have been put forward in this thesis is that the Undugu model be adopted and especially the use of cost sharing and community participation. However it is recommended that the government take an active part in aiding the low-income groups resident in squatter areas by acquiring land. It is also recommended that land already bought by the government be allocated to Non-governmental organizations already working with slum/squatter communities. All this will go towards the enhancement of land security of the slum/squatter residents.

Further research on the harmonization of slums/squatter settlements upgrading and the general urban environment is recommended .